The Baseball Writers' Association of America unveiled its finalists for Major League Baseball's most prestigious regular-season honors on Monday evening, setting the stage for award announcements spanning from November 9 through November 12.

MVP Race Features Historic Performances

In the National League, Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong emerges as the overwhelming favorite after posting one of the most remarkable two-way seasons in recent memory. The 24-year-old produced a phenomenal 45-homer, 41-steal campaign that immediately draws comparisons to the game's elite five-tool players. Crow-Armstrong's blend of power and speed places him alongside Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani and Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Brice Turang as the three NL MVP finalists.

The American League race showcases Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez, who finished third in 2022 AL MVP voting and now returns as a finalist. Alvarez joins Tampa Bay Rays phenom Junior Caminero and Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., marking Witt's second career appearance as an MVP finalist.

Cy Young Award Dominated by Young Arms

Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Jacob Misiorowski has positioned himself as the National League Cy Young Award favorite after establishing dominance with a microscopic 1.80 ERA, 0.80 WHIP, and 252 strikeouts against just 44 walks across 174.2 innings. The 24-year-old flamethrower recorded 10 double-digit strikeout performances and allowed three earned runs or fewer in all but two of his 30 starts.

Atlanta Braves veteran Chris Sale continued his remarkable late-career renaissance with a 2.16 ERA and 200 strikeouts over 162.2 innings, while Philadelphia Phillies left-hander Cristopher Sánchez rounds out the NL finalists. The American League features Blue Jays ace Dylan Cease, Yankees right-hander Cam Schlittler, and Cleveland Guardians rookie Parker Messick, who also earned a Rookie of the Year nomination.

New Award Category Debuts

For the first time in 2026, the BBWAA will vote for Reliever of the Year winners in both leagues, expanding recognition for the game's elite bullpen arms. The awards ceremony schedule begins with Rookie of the Year announcements on November 9, followed by Manager of the Year on November 10. Cy Young and Reliever of the Year winners will be revealed November 11, with the Most Valuable Player Awards capping the week on November 12.

All finalist voting was conducted before the postseason, meaning Milwaukee's World Series championship run and Tampa Bay's deep playoff push played no role in the selection process.